Hine-kaikomako

The Fire Maid who is personified in the kaikōmako, the fire tree (Pennantia corymbosa). She is a child of Tāne, and wife of Ira-whaki, the Fire Revealer. Hine-kaikomako is the Fire Conserver and when man desires fire he applies to her for it; that is to say, he takes a piece of her body wherewith to generate it.

References

Sources

  • Andersen, Johannes C. (1928). Myths and Legends of the Polynesians. London: George G. Harrap, pp. 217-218.
  • Best, Elsdon. (1924). The Maori. Wellington: Harry H. Tombs, pp. 145, 176.